Double-headed deodorant dispenser

ABSTRACT

A double-headed deodorant dispenser is configured to separately and independently dispense two deodorants from different ends thereof The deodorant dispenser includes a container having first and second openings, the first opening allowing a first deodorant to be dispensed from the first end of the container and the second opening allowing a second deodorant to be dispensed from the second end of the container., a first dispensing mechanism associated with the first deodorant for dispensing the first deodorant from the first end of the container, and a second dispensing mechanism associated with the second deodorant for dispensing the second deodorant from the second end of the container. First and second knobs of the first and second dispensing mechanisms are accessible through the container for user manipulation of the first and second dispensing mechanisms. The container may be configured to accept deodorant refills. The deodorants may be a solid, gel or similar composition.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of personal hygiene product dispensers and, more particularly, to personal hygiene product dispensers able to separately dispense two personal hygiene products.

BACKGROUND

Containers that separately dispense two or more liquid products are known in the art. Such dual or multi-product containers permit the storage, selling and dispensing of two separate liquid products via one container without combining the liquid products. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,421 to Williams discloses a double-ended aerosol dispenser for liquid products having two terminal portions each with its own valve and product delivery head. The aerosol dispenser may dispense one or two types of liquid products employing one or two volumes of propellant. The spray heads are located at opposite ends of the dispenser.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,268 to Levy et al, discloses a double-ended perfume bottle having two separate compartments each connected to a dispenser mechanism such as a spray fitting or pump at each end so that two different liquids can be contained and dispensed separately and in different ways if necessary. The double-ended bottle may utilize end caps that cover the two dispenser mechanisms at either end.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0215640 A1 of Britton discloses a dual product dispenser that permits two different liquid products to be stored, sold, dispensed and otherwise used from a single container without combining the liquid products. The dual product dispenser is in the form of a conjoined container having a product dispenser on each end thereof for dispensing the liquid product held within the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,948 to Auer discloses a two-chamber metering dispenser for liquid and/or paste-like media having two containers made of plastic and arranged in parallel positions next to one another. Each container is in communication with a hand-operated metering pump and a follower piston for dispensing the liquid and/or paste-like media.

U.S. Patent Publication 2012/0031925 of Greenberg teaches a multi-chamber dispenser each chamber of which may be removably fastened to a rigid frame or fashioned as one or more chambers that are permanently fastened to the rigid frame. A rotating cap, actuator or both is provided that selectively communicates with one or more chambers for dispensing one or more substances from the one or more chambers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,488 to Ehrbar teaches a double-ended squeeze bottle for liquid food products. The double-ended squeeze bottle is made from a flexible and resilient plastic and includes a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. The first and second openings are in communication with an interior of the bottle, the interior defining either a single chamber or two chambers wherein the first and second openings are both in communication with the single chamber or the first opening is in communication with the first chamber and the second opening is in communication with the second chamber. The bottle may also include first and second flip tops respectively selectively covering the first and second openings.

The above references disclose various vessels for separately and independently dispensing two or more liquid products from a single container, either through separate dispensing mechanisms or through a single dispensing mechanism that can selectively dispense one liquid or another from the vessel. It has therefore been recognized that liquid products can benefit from being packaged and dispensable from a single container. However, it is apparent that these vessels are configured to dispense only liquids and are thus not configured to separately and independently dispense non-liquid products such as solids and gels.

Therefore, the prior art vessels as discussed above cannot be used for separately and independently dispensing two solid or gel type personal hygiene products such as solid or gel type deodorant. Because solid and gel deodorants come in a vast variety of formulations, types and scents, it would be desirable to have a single container that can separately and independently dispense two formulations, scents and/or types of solid and/or gel deodorants.

It is thus apparent from the above that there exists a need for a personal hygiene product container that can independently and separately dispense two solid and/or gel type personal hygiene products such as two solid and/or gel type deodorants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a double-headed deodorant dispenser configured to separately and independently dispense two separate deodorants from different heads or ends of the same dispenser. The deodorant dispenser includes a container having first and second oppositely disposed openings, the first opening for dispensing a first deodorant from the container and the second opening for dispensing a second deodorant from the container, and first and second dispensing mechanisms associated with the first and second deodorants for separately and independently dispensing the two separate deodorants from the container.

The double-headed deodorant dispenser is able to separately and independently dispense two separate deodorants each one of which may be a solid deodorant, a gel deodorant, or other non-liquid type deodorant.

In one form, the double-headed deodorant dispenser is characterized by a container, housing or case having a first opening at one end or head of the container, and a second opening at a second end or head of the container opposite to the first end. A first dispensing mechanism of the double-headed deodorant dispenser is associated with a first deodorant while a second dispensing mechanism of the double-headed dispenser is associated with a second deodorant. A first dial of the first dispensing mechanism is accessible by a user through a first cutout in the container in order to manipulate the first dispensing mechanism for dispensing and retracting the first deodorant from the first head of the container. A second dial of the second dispensing mechanism is accessible b the user through a second cutout in the container in order to manipulate the second dispensing mechanism for dispensing and retracting the second deodorant from the second head of the container.

The first dispending mechanism is configured to advance and draw back (retract) the first deodorant from the first end or head of the container through manipulation (e.g. rotation) of the first actuating member or dial (e.g. in first and second directions). The second dispensing mechanism is configured to advance and draw back (retract) the second deodorant from the second end or head of the container through manipulation (e.g. rotation) of the second actuating member or dial (e.g. in first and second directions).

The container may accept and dispense refillable deodorants, refillable deodorant cartridges or the like (i.e. a deodorant refill). Either or both of the first and second deodorants may therefore comprise a refillable deodorant, refillable deodorant cartridge or the like, or the container may accept a deodorant refill once the original deodorant in the container has been depleted. Once a deodorant is depleted (either an original deodorant or a deodorant refill), a new deodorant refill is received in and by the container. The deodorant refills may come in a variety of scents and/or types. In this manner, a user may decide to use a deodorant refill that is different from the original deodorant.

The first and second openings are preferably, but not necessarily, situated diametrically opposite one another.

The knobs are preferably, but not necessarily, situated adjacent one another proximate a middle of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features, advantages and object of this invention., and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a double-headed deodorant dispenser fashioned in accordance with the present principles to dispense two separate deodorants from opposite ends or heads of the double-headed deodorant dispenser, with a cap of the deodorant dispenser removed from one head of the double-headed deodorant dispenser;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the double-headed deodorant dispenser of FIG. 1 with the two caps of the deodorant dispenser shown in exploded view;

FIG. 3 is an interior plan view of two container halves of the double-headed deodorant dispenser situated side by side, illustrating cutouts in the two container halves for two actuating members of the two deodorant dispensing mechanisms for separately dispensing the two deodorants from the double-headed deodorant dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the double-headed deodorant dispenser of FIG. 1 showing two separate (i.e. first and second) dispensing mechanisms for separately and independently dispensing two deodorants from the double-headed deodorant dispenser;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a component of the driving mechanism of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism as viewed from line 4A-4A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5A is a side plan view of an upper deodorant holder of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism;

FIG. 5B is a bottom plan view of the upper deodorant holder of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism as seen from line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a lower deodorant holder of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism; and

FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the lower deodorant holder of the first deodorant dispensing mechanism as seen from line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A.

Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures.

A description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures, there is depicted various views of an exemplary embodiment of a double-headed or ended deodorant dispenser, generally designated 10, fashioned in accordance with the present principles to separately and independently dispense two deodorants. It should be understood that the term deodorant as used herein covers deodorants with or without an antiperspirant agent, antiperspirants alone, and/or other types of deodorants. The double-headed deodorant: dispenser 10 is characterized by a container, vessel, housing, case or the like 12 that is preferably, but not necessarily, made of plastic, but may be made from other suitable materials if desired. Therefore, the container 12 will be shown in the figures as being plastic,it being understood that such is only exemplary. The container 12 is shown having the form of the typical deodorant container—i.e. an oblate elliptical cylinder, but may take other forms if desired. Therefore, the container 12 will be shown as an oblate elliptical cylinder, it being understood that such is only exemplary.

The container 12 defines a first end or head 13 and a second end or head 15 that is opposite the first end 13. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second ends 13, 15 are diametrically opposite one another. The first end 13 has a first opening 18 that is in communication with an interior space or area 21 within the container 12. The first end 13 of the container 12 is configured to accept or receive a lid, cap, cover or the like 14 that can selectively cover the first opening 18. The container 12 may include a lip 61 on its outer surface proximate the first opening 18 defining a ledge or rim upon which the end of the cap 14 abuts in order to stop the cap 14 onto the container 12. The second end 15 has a second opening 20 that is also in communication with the interior space 21 of the container 12. The second end 15 of the container 12 is likewise configured to accept or receive a lid, cap, cover or the like 16 that can selectively cover the second opening 20. The container 12 may include a lip 63 on its outer surface proximate the second opening 20 defining a ledge or rim upon which the end of the cap 16 abuts in order to stop the cap 16 onto the container 12. While the interior space 21 is preferably open, undivided area, the interior space 21 may be divided into two sections, with one section for a first deodorant see FIG. 2 and another section for a second deodorant (see FIG. 2). It should be appreciated that the nomenclature first and second is arbitrary here and throughout unless indicated otherwise.

As shown in FIG. 3, the container 12 is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of first and second container halves, shells, sections or portions 12 a and 12 b. The first container portion 12 a has an outwardly curved wall 22 a defining an inwardly curved inner surface 23 a, and the second container portion 12 b has an outwardly curved wall 22 b defining an inwardly curved inner surface 23 b. When the two container portions 12 a, 12 b are joined, the curved walls 22a, 22 b form the interior space 21 within the container 12 bounded by the inner surfaces 23 a, 23 b. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the interior space 21 accommodates a first deodorant 17 and a second deodorant 19. The first deodorant 17 is situated to be dispensed from the first opening 18 while the second deodorant 19 is situated to be dispensed from the second opening 20.

In order to dispense the first deodorant 17 from the container 12 via the first opening 18, the double-headed deodorant dispenser 10 has a first dispensing mechanism 32. Likewise, in order to dispense the second deodorant 19 from the container 12 via the second opening 20, the double-headed deodorant dispenser 10 has a second dispensing mechanism 34. The first dispensing mechanism 32 includes an actuator 28, a lower holder 36 a, an upper holder 38 a, and a driving mechanism 40 a. The actuator or actuating member 28 is shown in the form of a dial, disk or the like, but may take other forms as desired, necessary or expedient.

As seen in FIG. 1, the dial 28 protrudes from and/or is accessible by a user through a cutout 24 of the container 12. The cutout 24 may be disposed in only one side of the container 12 or may be comprised of two, complementary cutouts (24 a, 24 b) in opposite sides of the container 12. The later will be assumed and thus described herein. The second dispensing mechanism 34 includes an actuator or actuating member 30, a lower holder 36 b, an upper holder 38 b, and a driving mechanism 40 b. The actuator or actuating member 30 is likewise shown in the form of a dial, disk or the like, but may take other forms as desired, necessary or expedient. As seen in FIG. 1, the dial 30 protrudes from and/or is accessible by a user through a cutout 26 of the container 12. The cutout 26 may be disposed in only one side of the container 12 or may be comprised of two, complementary cutouts (26 a, 26 b) in opposite sides of the container 12. The later will be assumed and thus described herein.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the first container portion 12 a has cutouts 24 a and 26 a situated about or approximately in the middle of the wall 22 a, or midway between the upper and lower ends of the first container portion 12 a. The second container portion 12 b has cutouts 24 b and 26 b situated about or approximately in the middle of the wall 22 b, or midway between the upper and lower ends of the first container portion 12 b. The cutouts 24 a and 24 b allow the dial 28 to extend through and/or be accessible to a user such that the user can manipulate (e.g. rotate) the dial 28. As explained below, manipulation (e.g. rotation) of the dial 28 actuates the driving mechanism 40 a to advance (dispense) and retract (draw back) the first deodorant 17 since the first deodorant is carried by the driving mechanism 40 a. The cutouts 26 a and 26 b allow the dial 30 to extend through and/or be accessible to a user such that the user can manipulate (e.g. rotate) the dial 30. As explained below, manipulation (e.g. rotation) of the dial 28 actuates the driving mechanism 40 b to advance (dispense) and retract (draw back) the second deodorant 19 since the second deodorant 19 is carried by the driving mechanism 40 b.

The first driving mechanism 40 a includes the lower holder 36 a that remains stationary within the container 12. As particularly shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the lower holder 36 a includes a body 46 that is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of plastic. The body 46 has a flat bottom and sides shaped to conform to the interior surfaces 23 a, 23 b of the container 12 with an opening, hole or bore 48 situated centrally in the bottom. The body 46 further defines an interior 47 with a first post 49 a extending from the upper surface of the bottom of the body 46 on one side of the hole 48, and a second post 49 b extending from the upper surface of the bottom of the body 46 on another side of the hole 48. A threaded shaft, stem rod or the like 41 a extends from the dial 28 and through the hole 48 such that: the threaded shaft can freely rotate within the hole 48 upon rotation of the dial 28. A stop 42 a is provided on and about a preferably, but not necessarily, non-threaded section of the shaft 41 a on a side of the bottom of the lower holder 36 a opposite the dial 28. The stop 42 a retains the shaft 41 a and dial 28 relative to the lower holder 36 a while allowing the shaft 41 a and dial 28 to rotate freely in the hole 28 and thus relative to the lower holder 36 a.

The first driving mechanism 40 a further includes a carriage 43 a that is threadedly received on the threaded portion of the shaft 41 a. A top plan view of the carriage 43 is shown in FIG. 4A. The carriage 43 a has a body 56 that is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of plastic having an internally threaded bore for threaded reception on the threaded portion of the shaft 41 a. The body 56 further includes a first receptor 57 a extending generally outwardly from the hub of the body to form a first reception slot 58 a, and a second receptor 57 b extending generally outwardly from the hub of the body to form a second reception slot 58 b. The first and second slots 58 a, 58 b are preferably, but not necessarily, disposed opposite one another on the hub. The first and second slots 58 a, 58 b are configured to receive flanges 50 a, 50 b of the upper holder 38 a.

The upper holder 38 a has a body 52 that is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of plastic. The body 52 has a generally flat top and curved sides shaped to conform to the interior surfaces 23 a, 23 b of the container 12. The body 52 further defines an interior 53 with a first post 54 a extending from the undersurface of the top of the body 52 on one side of a midsection of the body, and a second post 54 b extending from the undersurface of the bottom of the body 54 on another side of the midsection of the body. The first and second flanges 50 a, 50 b extend into the interior 53 from opposite side of the body wall. The flanges 50 a, 50 b are sized for reception in the first and second slots 58 a, 58 b of the carriage 43 a. The flanges 50 a, 50 b are captured by the receptors 57 a, 57 b such that the upper holder 38 a rides on and is carried by the carriage 43 a. The upper holder 38 a is constrained from rotation within the container 12 while the carriage 43 a rides up and down on the threaded shaft 41 a as the shaft 41 a is rotated through rotation of the dial 28. The first deodorant 17 is situated on and is carried by the upper holder 38 a. Therefore, as the shaft 43 a is rotated by the dial 28 the carriage 43 a must either move up the threaded shaft 43 a to dispense the first deodorant 17 or move down the threaded shaft 43 a to retract the first deodorant 17, depending on the direction of rotation of the dial 28.

It should be appreciated that the components, features and operation of the second driving mechanism 40 b are the same as those the first driving mechanism 40 a and, as such, will not be described again. Like reference numerals denote the same component, feature and/or structure. However, as depicted in FIG. 4, the two driving mechanisms 40 a, 40 b have advanced their respective first and second deodorants 17, 19 different amounts in order to illustrate the manner in which the driving mechanisms 40 a, 40 b operate and the relationship to their respective deodorant 17, 19.

The initial position of the upper holder 38 b when a new or previously un-dispensed first deodorant 17 is within the container 12 is nested and/or adjacent to the lower holder 36 b. The first and second posts 54 a, 54 b are configured to be received in or received by the first and second posts 49 a, 49 b of the lower holder 36 a. The wall of the upper holder 38 a is next to the wall of the lower holder 36 a. The first deodorant 17 is situated on the upper surface of the upper holder 38 a. As the first driving mechanism causes the carriage 43 a to advance on and by rotation of the shaft 41 a (through manipulation of the dial 28), the upper holder moves with the carriage 43 a within the container 12 to push the opposite end of the first deodorant 17 out of the first opening 18. Opposite rotation of the shaft 41 a via manipulation of the dial 28 causes the carriage 43 a to move down the shaft 43 a carrying the upper holder 38 the along to draw the first deodorant back down into the container 12. In FIG. 4, the first deodorant 17 has been dispensed from the container by about half its amount, while the second deodorant 19 has been dispensed from the container by a small to no amount.

The container 12 and the first and second dispensing mechanisms may be configured to accept and dispense deodorant refills such that when either of the first and second deodorants is depleted (or sooner if desired), a new deodorant may be received by and/or in the container and thereafter dispensed therefrom as described herein. The new deodorant may be a refillable deodorant, refillable deodorant cartridge or the like (i.e. a deodorant refill). The deodorant dispenser may come pre-filled with first and second deodorants or may be provided without the first and second deodorants to allow a consumer to select the type and/or scent of deodorant via a deodorant refill. It should be appreciated that the container and/or the dispensing mechanisms may be revised as necessary to accommodate refillable deodorants.

it should be appreciated that the dispensing mechanisms shown and described herein are exemplary of a type of deodorant dispensing mechanisms that can be used to separately and independently dispense two separate deodorants from the present double-headed deodorant dispenser. Likewise, the general shape of the container 12 and components of the present double-headed deodorant dispenser are generally exemplary.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

All references cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they supplement, explain, provide a background for or teach methodology or techniques employed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A deodorant dispenser comprising: a container defining an interior, a first opening in communication with the interior and situated at a first end of the container, a second opening in communication with the interior and situated at a second end of the container, a first cutout situated proximate a middle of the container a first distance from the first opening, and a second cutout situated proximate the middle of the container a second distance from the second opening; a first deodorant situated in the interior of the container proximate the first opening; a first mechanism disposed in the interior of the container and configured to dispense the first deodorant from the first opening through manual actuation of a first dial of the first mechanism that is accessible via the first cutout; a second deodorant situated in the interior of the container proximate the second opening; and a second mechanism disposed in the interior of the container and configured to dispense the second deodorant from the second opening through manual actuation of a second dial of the second mechanism that is accessible via the second cutout.
 2. The deodorant dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first and second deodorants each comprise one of a solid deodorant or a gel deodorant.
 3. The deodorant dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first end of the container is situated diametrically opposite the second end of the container:
 4. The deodorant dispenser of claim 1, wherein: the first cutout comprises a first notch situated in a first side of the container and a second notch situated in a second side of the container; and the second cutout comprises a third notch situated in the first side of the container and a fourth notch situated in the second side of the container.
 5. The deodorant dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first mechanism is configured to dispense the first deodorant from the first end of the container along a longitudinal axis of the container, and the second mechanism is configured to dispense the second deodorant from the second end of the container along the longitudinal axis of the container.
 6. The deodorant dispenser of claim 5, wherein the first mechanism is configured to retract the first deodorant from the first opening upon actuation of the first dial, and the second mechanism is configured to retract the second deodorant from the second opening upon actuation of the second dial.
 7. The deodorant dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container is configured to receive and dispense first and second deodorant refills.
 8. A deodorant dispenser comprising: a container defining an interior, a first opening in communication with the interior and situated at a first end of the container, a second opening in communication with the interior and situated at a second end of the container opposite to the first end of the container, a first notch situated proximate a middle of the container a first distance towards the first opening, and a second notch situated proximate the middle of the container a second distance towards the second opening; a first mechanism configured to dispense a first deodorant situated in the interior of the container from the first opening through manual actuation of a first dial of the first mechanism that is accessible via, the first notch; and a second mechanism configured to dispense a second deodorant situated in the interior of the container from the second opening through manual actuation of a second dial of the second mechanism that is accessible via the second notch.
 9. The deodorant dispenser of claim 8, wherein the first and second deodorants each comprise one of a solid deodorant or a gel deodorant.
 10. The deodorant dispenser of claim 8, wherein the first end of the container is situated diametrically opposite the second end of the container:
 11. The deodorant dispenser of claim 8, wherein: a third notch is situated in the container diametrically opposite the first notch for additional manual actuation of the first dial of the first mechanism; and a fourth notch is situated in the container diametrically opposite the second notch for additional manual actuation of the second dial of the second mechanism.
 12. The deodorant dispenser of claim 8, wherein the first mechanism is configured to dispense the first deodorant from the first end of the container along a longitudinal axis of the container, and the second mechanism is configured to dispense the second deodorant from the second end of the container along the longitudinal axis of the container.
 13. The deodorant dispenser of claim 12, wherein the first mechanism is configured to retract the first deodorant from the first opening upon actuation of the first dial, and the second mechanism is configured to retract the second deodorant from the second opening upon actuation f the second dial.
 14. The deodorant dispenser of claim 8, wherein the container is configured to receive and dispense first and second deodorant refills. 